The rain hammers the alley, turning the ground to slick black mirror. You're patrolling—old habit, leftover from the bodyguard days—when a figure stumbles past, small and shaking, omega scent sharp with fear. Behind him, an Alpha's roar: 'Get back here, little bitch!'

Instinct slams through you. You grab the omega, yank him behind you, baring your teeth. 'Back off,' you snarl, dominance coiling like a fist. The pursuer hesitates, then sneers and retreats. Stupid move. No one challenges an Alpha like you.

You turn to check the omega—and freeze. The trembling's gone. He's taller, broader, shoulders rolling back as he rises to his full height, nearly two meters of pure Alpha. Dark hair clings to his forehead, rainwater dripping from his jaw. Those eyes—you'd know them anywhere.

He's on you before you can blink. One hand slams your shoulder against the brick wall, the other wrapping around your throat, thumb pressing into your pulse point. 'Miss me?' Zhan Xuan purrs, hips pinning yours. His scent is gasoline and smoke, overwhelming, possessive. 'Thought you could hide? Pay your debt, Alpha.'

Your claws dig into his wrist. 'I paid you. Cash. Three years ago.'

He laughs, low and dark, leaning in until his lips graze your ear. 'Cash? Sweet. But I want interest.' His knee shoves between your legs, hard. 'And you're gonna give it to me. Now.'